S.O.S. from an "old" member

Thanks- I can't say that I have kept it off- I battle up and down.  -Right now I'm in the Up category.  But I guess that's proof that you CAN loose (and gain, and loose- etc.  LOL)  I know I lost more initial weight than you- but that doesnt mean anything.  We all have the same battle. Yes I konw some WLS'ers that do WW and have success with it.  Moreso- it;s the TRACKING WHAT YOU EAT than the WW I think.  WW forces you toe keep track.  You can do that with out WW. Tell Dr. Bell's office about your insurance problems.  They might be able to help a lot. You might be surprised what ins covers- I'm not saying you need a revision or a new surgery- in fact- most poeple DONT- what they do need is to do more work on their techniques (as listed in 1-4)  But, if you DO have some mechanical failure, your insurance might cover the revision -as necessary- even if they wouldn't cover the original surgery.  ONLY DR BELL CAN HELP YOU WITH THIS.  Don't make assumptions.  Get yourself an appointment and get over there.  This is for your well being, after all.  Your PCP can't really truly help you with this.  Even a helpful supportive PCP doesnt have the insight and experience your WLS surgeon has.   Finally I'm gonna say it again- then I'm gonna leave you alone: Deal with the head.  Get right with why you're struggling- or the struggle never gets better.  Support groups are free- and even crappy insurance will pay for some psych counseling. Get back in to regular cardio exercise.  No excuses, not even 2 jobs, kids, pets, parents and a husband.  You MUST make time for your health.  Good luck.  You can do it if you put your mind to it.

Lisa, Thanks for all the great advice.  I'm calling my WL therapist today. He actually had WLS too and has been very successful.  Time to get back to him! Again, thanks for the support. JA

HI JA, Remember me?  I had surgery in May of 2004.  I too have been up and down with about 10 pounds after my initial weight loss.   I joined WW last May and gained and lost the same 5 pounds for 6 months.  So, I quit.  then I gained 5 more pounds...I had been eating too many snacks, not necessarily bad foods, although I can eat those too.  Too much white rice and pasta, even in small portions.  It just made me crave more.  So, here I am.   I just joined WW online again, because it helps me to track the food I eat.  It helps me to be accountable.  I personally have a hard time doing it on my own.  I slip too easily.  They have a plan where you can eat whatever you want as long as you keep it within their points range.  They also have guidleines to meet every day, like exercise, water, veggies, etc.   I don't eat too many carbs now because they fill me up too fast, but I do eat whole grain breads and brown rice.  I decided that if I really want to lose this weight I have to do whatever is necessary to achieve that.  I decided to go back to basics for a while.  3 meals, no snacks in betweem, jus****er.  If I am really hungry I will have a protein drink or bar.  And the biggest hurdle for me is exercise.  I hate it, but their is no way around it- I have a desk job, so if I want to tone up and lose the rest of the weight, I have to exercise, alot..   I came back here and started reading posts again.  I just looked at the CT before and after pics, it makes me feel so good, and so hopeful.. I remember being pre-op and crying wishing that could be me, and it is.  I came too far to throw it away now.   It was good to see your post.  I wish you good luck! Anne Danbury, CT

Anne, I certainly do remember you!  You look beautiful!!!!!!! God Bless you.  I think I am going to join WW just for the structure too.  I am eating things I have no business eating, ie sweets, carbs, etc.  I know what I am suppose to eat and I get bored at work and graze!!!  I do so much better on the weekend, go figure! This weekend I'm going to go to a WW meeting, and if nothing else, it will be support.  Coming back to the board has helped.  I read every day and remember when I was pre op, and I DON'T want to go back there at all! Thanks so much for all your ideas/support. xo JA